Tips for a crime free Christmas

1. Don’t leave presents in full view on the back seat when out shopping. These can be tempting to thieves. Lock them away out of sight in the trunk.
2. Always lock your car and make sure windows are closed, even if you’re away from your vehicle for just a few minutes. Use a steering lock if possible.
3. Never leave your keys in the ignition while your vehicle is unattended, even for a few minutes. Opportunistic thieves will often steal cars that have been left with the engine running to defrost the windows.
4. Don’t leave any valuables in the glove compartment. Take bank cards, mobile phones and satellite navigation systems with you. These items are on a car thieves’ shopping list.
5. Make sure you park in a well lit area or in an attended car park.

Have a safe and happy holiday season!!

Lack of snow tires does not automatically void coverage.

While ICBC recommends the use of snow tires in snowy conditions, and driving without proper winter tires may not be the safest decision, it does not affect a customer's eligibility to make a claim and it does not void the driver's insurance (although it could lead to ticketing by law enforcement).

In the event of a claim, the act of not having or using the appropriate equipment doesn't automatically mean a driver will be deemed at-fault. However, drivers involved in a crash who were not using snow tires or chains when appropriate may be deemed negligent, and could lose their discount and face higher insurance premiums on their next renewal.

New rates take effect Monday

Adjusted Basic and Optional rates go into effect Monday, Nov. 1.

Trailers Standardized

The British Columbia Utilities Commission (BCUC) approved ICBC's application to standardize Basic insurance premiums for all trailers.

Expect possible delays in receiving ICBC Notice to Renews

Delays in the distribution of renewal reminders for customers whose policies expire from mid-October to the beginning of November may mean some customers receive their reminder slightly later than usual. However, those customers should receive their reminder soon, well in advance of their renewal date.

Hodges Company successfully adds blog to website

Thanks to the guided wisdom of their web hosters, Hodges & Company can now add blog posts to their web site. Way to go guys.

Autoplan Broker Cannot Collect Impaired Driving Fines

Autoplan brokers cannot collect payment for the new Immediate Roadside Prohibition (IRP) administrative penalty issued to impaired drivers. While this penalty has been referred to as a fine by police and in the media, it is an administrative penalty collectable only through Driver Licensing offices.